Individual: Betsy Geib

Organization: The Vineyard

This year's Pealy Award for an organization went to the Vineyard Community Church in Shoreline.  In 2009 the Vineyard relocated from their previous location in the heart of North City, just a few blocks north of the Center for Human Services' Shoreline Family Center, to their new and improved location on 1st Avenue. At the time, CHS was unsure if they would still be able to access use of the Vineyard's facilities due to this new move. With a rise in human services needs within the community, CHS was stretched to the seams on space. As time drew near and CHS worried about space issues, Rose and Rich Swetman and the Vineyard Community Church became settled into their new location.  Before long CHS was once again able to access space at the Vineyard's newly improved and extensive facilities each week for Afterschool Adventures, Summer Explorers and Teen Night Tuesday.

Collaborating with their community, the Vineyard has provided CHS continued use of their facilities, saving CHS outlay of costs in order to deliver the much needed programs CHS does within the community.  The Vineyard continues their practice of giving back to the community through continuing their countless support to CHS in providing this valuable use of their facilities.  The Vineyard is most deserving of this award. Congratulations Rose, Rich and the entire staff and community at the Vineyard! ______________________________________________________________

It is not uncommon to come across Betsy Geibs's name whenever one speaks about CHS's Northshore Family Center's Northshore Special Families Program. Northshore Special Families, launched in 2004 from the creative minds of Betsy Geib and other parents who were caring for a child with special needs, began their trek to inspire, support and bring together families with children who have special needs. As a natural support to one and other already, extending their wisdom to a greater community could truly benefit more families with children and special needs.

Betsy Geib, a lead volunteer in the Northshore Special Families Program and the CanDo Race Co-Chair for the second year in a row, is this year's recipient of the CHS Dorrit Pealy Award.  Betsy's been honored for her outstanding community support of the program and it's many facets, which deliver much needed resources, events and gatherings to many families living with children who have special needs.  The 2010 Can Do Race doubled in participation from it's inaugural run of 2009, through Betsy's keen leadership.  Betsy is a dedicated mother and community member, driven to improve the lives of so many around her.  It is through her example of a dedicated community volunteer, that the Northshore Special Families program is able to carry out the many programs within their structure.

Betsy has been instrumental in the delivery of ongoing events throughout the years, including family dinners - where families gather to share stories and support one and other, to Sibshops - providing extra curricular activities to youth who have siblings with special needs, and on to Special Santa - where children with special needs get to spend time with Santa, in a comfortable setting, accommodating the full family's needs while away from the hustle and bustle of mall type settings. Betsy's dedication and commitment to the program has definitely been instrumental in many families' lives throughout the community. Betsy, who is inspired by her own children, wants others to be inspired as well.  We thank you Betsy and honor you with the Dorrit Pealy Award for 2010. Congratulations! 

		Individual:		Organization:
2009:		Sandie Tracy		Social Venture Partners, Seattle
2008:		Council Member Bob Ferguson		Home Depot, Bothell
2007:		Rob Beem		Kirlin Foundation
2006:		Don & Gloria Swisher		James Alan Salon
2005:		A. Mark Vanderveen		Northshore School District and Shoreline School District
2004:		Pearl Noreen		Anderson House
2003:		Jan Stout		City of Shoreline
2002:		Rep. Ruth Kagi		Davis Wright Tremaine